[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 25063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-11973]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the Least 
Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) for Review and Comment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability 
for public review of a draft recovery plan for the least Bell's vireo 
(Vireo bellii pusillus). The breeding distribution of the least Bell's 
vireo is limited to eight counties in southern California and portions 
of northern Baja California, Mexico. Historically, this species was 
widespread throughout riparian woodlands in the Central Valley and low 
elevation riverine valleys of California and northern Baja California. 
Least Bell's vireos winter in southern Baja California, Mexico. The 
Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft plan.

DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or 
before July 6, 1998, to be considered by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the draft recovery plan may 
receive a copy by contacting the Carlsbad Field Office, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, California 92008. 
Written comments and material regarding the plan should also be 
addressed to the same address above. Comments and material received are 
available on request for public inspection, by appointment, during 
normal business hours at the same address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Avery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service (see ADDRESSES) at 760/431-9440).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Restoring an endangered or threatened animal or plant to the point 
where it is again secure, self-sustaining member of its ecosystem is a 
primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species 
program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to 
prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the 
United States. Recovery Plans describe actions considered necessary for 
conservation of the species, establish criteria for the recovery levels 
for reclassifying them from endangered to threatened or removing them 
from the list, and estimate the time and cost for implementing the 
needed recovery measures.
    The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) Requires the development of recovery plans for listed 
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a 
particular species. Secion 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988, 
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and 
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will 
consider all information presented during a public comment period prior 
to approval of each new or revised Recovery Plan. The Service and other 
Federal agencies will take these comments into account in the course of 
implementing approved recovery plans.
    The least Bell's vireo was listed as endangered on May 2, 1986. 
Critical habitat for the species was designated on February 2, 1994. 
The least Bell's vireo is an obligate riparian species during the 
breeding season, preferring early successional habitat. This species 
typically inhabits structurally diverse woodlands along watercourses. 
Extensive breeding habitat loss and degradation and brood parasitism by 
the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) have resulted in a rangewide 
decline of the least Bell's vireo. The objective of this plan is the 
reclassification of the least Bell's vireo to threatened and 
ultimately, delisting through recovery.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits written comments on the recovery plan 
described. All comments received by the date specified above will be 
considered prior to approval of the plan.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(F).

    Dated: March 30, 1998.
Michael J. Spear,
Regional Director, Region 1.
[FR Doc. 98-11973 Filed 5-5-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-U